The watch notes that tropical storm conditions are possible early morning Saturday to evening Saturday with tropical storm-force winds of possible 60 gusting to 90 km/h over exposed areas from Hurricane Arthur. The hurricane is expected to be a strong post-tropical storm when it hits the Maritimes. Additional watches or warnings may be issued overnight tonight

The tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds near 65 km/h or more) are possible over parts of the region within 36 hours. The watch also notes the threat of local flooding from heavy rainfall.

Forecasters believe Nova Scotia may face the strongest winds possibly gusting over 100 km/hour, but New Brunswick and PEI may take the brunt of the rainfall, and amounts of 50 mm to more than 100 mm are expected in some areas. The area of rain will reach the southern Maritimes early Saturday and then spread to Newfoundland overnight Saturday to Sunday morning.

How the storm interacts with a cold front, as well as the exact track will determine where the strongest winds and highest rainfall amounts will occur.

There is still much uncertainty about the strength and track.

Forecasters say the landfall of Arthur may occur in the vicinity of western Nova Scotia to the Fundy coast of New Brunswick Saturday morning.

This morning, Arthur was moving north along the southern U.S. coast at 15 km/hour and had maximum sustained winds of 150 km/hour. It was intensifying and was expected to reach Category 2 status today.

The storm is moving over warm waters but will lose some steam when it hits the cooler water south of Nova Scotia.

Forecasters say significant storm surge and waves are also possible with Arthur. Details about the exact location of where the biggest impact from surge and waves will occur will be clearer on Friday.

High waves and pounding surf can be expected along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia Saturday morning and afternoon with the arrival of storm.

Mariners are also being advised to remain on alert and stay tuned for forecast updates.

Gale warnings have been issued for southwestern marine waters with the approach of Arthur Friday night. These gales will be expanded to other marine areas for Saturday. Storm warnings and possibly hurricane warnings could be required for portions of the Atlantic Canadian marine district.

The extended marine forecast is calling for easterly winds of 50 to 60 knots on Saturday morning, becoming northwest 45 to 55 in the afternoon off southwestern Nova Scotia.

The Emergency Management Office (EMO) is also reminding Nova Scotians to take steps to help minimize risk of property and personal damage from a hurricane or tropical storm.

Strong winds, heavy rains and storm and power surges can cause significant damage. All are being asked to prepare in advance and monitor local weather forecasts this weekend.

The basic checklist includes:

-- enough food and water for 72 hours

-- monitoring local broadcast networks for updates

-- securing gates, doors and windows

-- moving yard furniture and securing trash cans, hanging plants and anything that can be picked up by wind

-- checking radio batteries

-- filling vehicles with gas and parking them away from trees

-- removing dead or diseased branches from trees to make them more wind resistant

-- keeping pets inside

-- moving any type of watercraft to high ground

EMO is working with Environment Canada and partners on the approaching storm, gathering municipal information, identifying possible local risk areas and conducting information sessions with provincial and municipal emergency management officers and co-ordinators.